Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against AEK Athens on Wednesday, with Federico Valverde scoring a decisive late goal to preserve the Spanish side's 100% record in the Champions League group stage. Managed by José Mourinho, Los Blancos demonstrated resilience by coming from behind twice at the Agia Sophia Stadium before claiming all three points against the Greek champions.
AEK Athens started with high energy and took an early lead in the 12th minute through Aboubakary Koïta. The Mauritanian winger cut inside Marc Cucurella to thump a shot past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, capitalizing on a strong opening performance that also saw former Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic force saves from the Belgian keeper.
Real Madrid equalized shortly after through Jude Bellingham. Following an initial disallowed goal for offside, the England international produced a sublime flicked finish to beat AEK goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli after a low cross from Cucurella. The visitors controlled much of the first half, with Kylian Mbappé and Bernardo Silva testing the hosts' defense before the break.
The match remained tight in the second half as both sides created chances. AEK regained the lead in the 75th minute when Koïta found Stavros Pilios, who finished from close range through Courtois's legs. However, Madrid responded swiftly; Denzel Dumfries rolled a pass across the box for Mbappé to score his fourth goal in four Champions League games this season, leveling the match at 2-2.
With five minutes remaining, substitute Endrick sent Mbappé through on goal, but Brignoli made a sensational save to tip the Frenchman's strike against the crossbar. The deadlock was finally broken in the 92nd minute when Valverde lashed home a stunning effort from distance across Brignoli. The victory extends Real Madrid's winning streak to seven consecutive games across all competitions.
Sources: The Guardian Sport.